In its continuous fight against anti-smuggling, the Oyo/Osun Area Command, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made seizures worth N468,706,602.00 in 17 days.
The Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja who disclosed this to journalists on 17th March, 2025 said the seizures were made within the last 17 days after his maiden press briefing when he announced that the Command generated a revenue of N2,048,487,969.00.
According to him, the seizures include: 2,030 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice, 28 bales of used clothings, 1 bale of used shoes, 28 pieces of used refrigerator compressors, 8 pieces of used AC compressors, 167 pieces of used tyres, 167 (25 litre kegs) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) , 660kg of cannabis sativa and 3 means of conveyance.
Comptroller Adelaja noted that these Foreign Parboiled Rice were concealed in three heavy-duty trucks and unfortunately, the trucks were used to smuggle prohibited items.
He said the seizures were made possible through effective intelligence sharing by the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Customs Police Unit, and the unwavering support of relevant stakeholders who collaborated with the Command to accomplish yet another milestone.
“Following the milestones recorded within my first 22days in office, the Oyo/Osun Area Command remain committed to the Nigeria Customs Service mandate of revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade and the suppression of smuggling. The Command has continued to intensify it efforts in the area of anti-smuggling by ensuring the compliance with Customs regulations and safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
” These illegal activities do not only undermine the nation’s economic development but also pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens.
“I would like to sound a note of warning to smugglers who persist in engaging in illegal activities that are detrimental to the economic growth of our nation that the Oyo/Osun Area Command will leave no stone unturned to enforce necessary compliance of Customs laws. I would like to assure the general public that the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command remain resolute in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade, as we would not relent on our efforts to curb these unlawful acts.
“On this note, I call on our relevant stakeholders and patriotic citizens to continue extending their maximum support and cooperation in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities. Your unwavering support is invaluable and will greatly enhance our ability to effectively discharge our duties in safeguarding the nation’s economy.”, he said.
